Cowboys only want to keep Zeke if he takes a big pay cut?

The Dallas Cowboys made their first big change of the 2023 NFL offseason by cutting ties with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, allowing Mike McCarthy to control play calls. Now, another big move could be imminent.

Dallas currently sits more than $7 million above the NFL’s salary cap in 2023, putting it in a tough spot this offseason. Keeping Pro Bowl running back Tony Pollard is the top priority, but the franchise must also meet the needs of both sides of the ball and keep Leighton Vander Esch and Anthony Brown.

The financial situation will force the Cowboys to make difficult decisions with several contributors. Among them, running back Ezekiel Elliott faces an uncertain future. Whether or not he stays in Dallas will be up to him.

• Ezekiel Elliott Stats (2022): 876 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns, 3.8 yards per carry

According Matt Lombardo, the Cowboys will ask Elliott to take a massive pay cut this offseason. If he refuses, Dallas will release him and move forward with Pollard as the star running back.

There is a significant financial incentive to release Elliott. If designated as a pre-June 1 release, Dallas creates $4.86 million in cap. Declaring it a reduction after June 1 would be much more beneficial, generating $10.9 million in cap space.

Once one of the best running backs in the NFL, Elliott’s effectiveness has plummeted in recent years. The 27-year-old averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 96.5 rushing yards per game in his first four seasons. Over the past three years, Elliott has averaged just 4.0 yards per carry with 60.8 rush ypg.

• Ezekiel Elliott Career Stats: 8,262 rushing yards, 68 rushing touchdowns, 4.4 yards per carry

Despite the overwhelming support he’s received from owner Jerry Jones over the past year, Elliott’s chances of staying with the Cowboys will come down to sacrifice. If he’s unwilling to take a massive pay cut, which would lower his cap by at least $6 million, he’s headed for free agency.

Considering he’s no longer an explosive runner and the 2023 NFL Draft class is deep in running back, being released could push Elliott near the end of his professional career. The Cowboys offense suits him best, especially if McCarthy implements a more intensive approach next year. At this time, however, it’s unclear if Elliott is ready to take the necessary pay cut to stay on.